(Business 2.0) – While competitors mined niches, Charles Schwab CEO (and former Business 2.0 editorial advisory board member) David Pottruck made acquisitions to broaden Schwab's offerings. Unhappy with the results, Schwab's board took the bold step of firing the popular Pottruck, a 20-year company veteran. Taking over as CEO, founder Charles Schwab has returned the firm to its discount roots through divestitures, cost cuts, and lower online trading fees. — SIRI SCHUBERT